Validation of Selective Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry for Fast Quantification of Volatile Bases Produced on Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

Selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a direct mass spectrometric technique that allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of a large number of volatile organic compounds. Because of its speed and ease of use, this nondestructive technique could be considered as a practical tool for quality control. This research focuses on the possibilities of direct headspace sampling by SIFT-MS for the quantification of the volatile basic nitrogen content (TVB-N) of fish fillets. These volatile bases [trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and ammonia] give additional information in conjunction with the sensory scoring and microbiological analysis about the quality of the fish fillets. This research validates in a first part the SIFT-MS method for the quantification of the volatile bases in mixed cod samples. With regard to the investigated linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, limit of detection, and limit of quantification, SIFT-MS appeared to be an adequate technique for measuring volatile bases spiked on cod. In the second part of this research, the technique was validated for the analysis of volatile bases on cod fillets during a storage experiment under ice. A good correlation was obtained between the proposed direct headspace sampling and traditional methods. The sensitivity of the SIFT-MS method can be improved when cod fillets are made more alkaline (pH >11) during sampling.